If you want to excel in golf, you must work hard on the fundamentals of the game. This is important because perfecting the basics will help you go a long way in your career and it will also ensure that you are a step ahead of your competitors. However, there are a lot of other elements to this beautiful game that go beyond the basics. Sound knowledge of these essential aspects will enhance your career as a golfer. In this blog post, we have listed a few essential tips that will help you become a better player, including course management and club selection.

Align Your Club:

The first and foremost thing that you must ensure is a proper alignment of your club each time you take a shot. The best way to do this is by determining the target before hitting the ball. This will enable you to have a more accurate estimate as to how hard you should hit and where you should place the ball. Set your clubhead behind the ball and position it in a way so that it directly faces the target.

Choose the Perfect Club:

A majority of golfers choose golf clubs based on hole length. But you must understand that there is much more to club selection than distance. Take into consideration the wind conditions, personal shot-making tendencies, and potential health hazards. Once you have evaluated all these factors, only then should you go ahead and choose a club that suits you best and helps you make better shots.

Playing with the Wind:

As a professional golfer, you must know how to adjust to different weather conditions and how to use the wind to your advantage. When there is a heavy wind, it is always advisable to hit a fade rather than a tee shot because the wind will bring the ball back into the fairway. It is crucial that you make little adjustments like these that allow for the wind to work in your favour.

Complete the Shot:

Once in a while, your shot lands on a bunker. Do not make any changes to your approach in such a situation, as it is common. With a balanced and comfortable stance hit the ball with a full swing. The sand will lift the ball out of the bunker. So, wherever the ball lands, always remember to complete your shot and take no half measures.

Do Not Change Your Stance:

Seasoned golfers always make sure to retain their stance under any circumstances. You must not let factors like distance and hole length determine your stance. Though ideally, you should make minor changes in your head and body positions while aiming for different shots, your stance should never be affected as a result of it.

To become better at golf, you must always try and improve yourself and enhance your skill set. You can enrol yourself in a golf academy to become more acquainted with the sport. If you are on the lookout for golf lessons in Brampton, Oakville, Mississauga or Burlington or any nearby city look for an academy which is dedicated to providing personalised programmes for different proficiency levels.

Every round of golf requires players to grip the golf club at least 90-100 times. Thus, it is extremely important that you hold it in the correct way each time. Having a proper grip will enable you to make a good connection with the ball. In this blog post, we will discuss simple tips that will help you to get the perfect grip.

Leave One Inch Gap from the Top:

Holding the club at the top of the grip is a common mistake that many golfers make. This results in a loss of control over the swing. Ideally, there must be a gap of about one inch from the top. Holding the club in this way will help you in making a good shot.

Gripping It too Tight:

A very tight grip over the club when you strike the ball will invariably result in a poor shot. If you are feeling pressure on your hands and shoulders while addressing the ball it means that you must loosen your grip on the club. Also, it becomes very hard to control the direction in which you are hitting the ball.

Place the Club Perfectly:

If you are right-handed then you must place the club on your left hand. A left-handed player must do the opposite. The handle should run from the middle of your index finger to its base. Wrap your palm around this position, to have the perfect grip.

Use a Good Pair of Gloves:

Though not a mandatory accessory, gloves are important for any serious golfer as they improve grip. Just make sure they are neither too small nor too big. Also, be aware that they are tailored differently for right-handed and left-handed players.

Educate Yourself About Different Kinds of Grips:

There are different kinds of grips like the interlinking grip, baseball grip and overlapping grip. Ensure that you test all these kinds of grips and choose the one in which you are most comfortable.

Clubface Alignment:

You may have the best grip among your peers, but that means nothing if your clubface is not perfectly aligned. When you grip the club make sure that it is square with the ball. If it is not, then take your time aligning it in the right manner.

Straight Elbow Position:

A proper grip on the club will lead to a straight elbow position. If there are any bends in your arm while holding the golf club it means that there are some problems with your grip. Adjust the grip until your elbows are straight. A small bend may have the huge impact on your shot.

If you are a beginner, it is always beneficial to consult a golfing professional, who will train you and give valuable insights into other aspects of the game. A key feature of the game is to avoid developing a bad grip on the club which has a negative impact on your game. Get constructive criticism and techniques from a professional and make those necessary changes in your game!

Golf is a game that requires a high degree of precision and skill. Holding the golf club in the proper manner is a crucial aspect of your game. If you develop the wrong kind of grip on the club, then it can get in the way of your progress as a professional golfer.

Every golfer wants to gain more distance off the tee because it will effectively lower their score. Many players focus on the latest driver when it comes to hitting the ball farther. But a little improvement in their angle of attack can bring a substantial increase in the distance. This means they need to swing the club more efficiently instead of trying to swing harder.

To help beginners improve their game and gain extra yardage, we’ve put together some useful tips in this blog post. If you’re an amateur golfer looking for ways to hit the ball farther, then read on to learn more.

Hit up on the Ball

When you hit up on the ball, you can reduce backspin to gain more yardages. But a lot of golfers hesitate to tee the ball high enough because they fear that hitting such popup drives can leave a scuff mark on their clubs. So, they have a tendency to tee the ball low which leads to a reduced distance on their drives.

A quick tip to gain more driving distance by hitting up on the ball is to keep your torso slightly tilted away from the target, keeping your hips centered over your feet. This body angle will allow some weight to shift onto your back foot helping you achieve the upper attack angle with your shoulders.

Increase Your Speed

Speed plays a major role in determining the driving distance. Your golf fitness expert will help you figure out your personal ability depending on your age and physical strength. Once you develop your skills, you can work with a PGA professional to get more advice on how to maximize your speed. He/she can teach you the right moves so that you don’t lose too much control.

Increase Loft

An appropriate driver loft can help you get more distance off the tee. Note that 7-degree drivers are a thing of the past. As an amateur golfer, you can benefit from a 12-degree driver loft or more. Your coach can help you determine the correct loft on your driver depending on your swing speed skills and other techniques.

Fix Club Path

Many golfers aren’t aware of the fact that they can hit the ball farther without changing the swing speed of the club. However, this is only possible when they change their delivery technique. For example, altering the delivery technique to shallow and draw (in-to-out) instead of steep and fade (out-to-in), you can add more yardage with the same effort.

Replace Old Grips

When you have old worn-out grips on the club, you’ll need to hold it tighter when hitting the ball. This can, in fact, lead to a reduced swing speed, control, and a restricted swing length. Replace the old grips to see an instant improvement in your swing speeds and the driving distance as a result.

Remember these tips and try to implement them when practising your game to gain more distance off the tee. Join our golf lessons in Mississauga and nearby cities to learn more techniques and master the game like a pro!

Many golfers think that only improving their striking and golf swinging techniques can fetch lower scores. Most of them don’t realize that poor decisions, the lack of systematic approach and a low level of confidence are some of the major factors that can make them lose shots. The correct mindset is, therefore, very important for golfers of every level to improve their game.

In today’s post, we’ll discuss some common mistakes that golfers should avoid and how they can become better scorers.

Over Analyzing Shots on the Golf Course

Golf has a lot of downtime and minds can easily get distracted by several things. One of the common mistakes that golfers make is they think about their shots and swings too much while playing the game. These thoughts usually pop up after a few poor shots are hit. Golfers tend to analyze and correct their shots subsequently. This can be immensely counter-productive to a lower score.

If you want to score better, you should focus on the current shot instead of analyzing your skills or trying to consciously control or force movements to correct your actions during the game. When you start doubting your skills and techniques, you create unnecessary tension and stop giving your best. Trust your abilities, practice, and focus on the objective of hitting the ball towards a specific target.

Reacting to Poor Shots with Frustration

Many golfers react emotionally to bad shots and get frustrated with their performance easily. This affects their decision-making skills and their ability to focus on the next shot.

Remember that it’s a sport and not every shot can be good. If you react with frustration and anger when you hit poor shots, it’ll affect your mindset making it difficult for you to enjoy the game. Make a post game routine to ponder on your techniques and explore your errors. Learning from your mistakes is more important than constantly being critical and getting frustrated on the course.

Getting Preoccupied with Score Calculation

Calculating your score after every shot and connecting it with your performance can increase tension, affecting your emotions. The score is the final outcome of the game but avoid making it your ultimate goal. Focus on your current shot, enjoy the game, and play your best. Concentrate on elevation and wind changes, be confident, and review your shot.

Lacking Confidence

Several golfers recall poor shots of the past and start playing with a lot of fear and doubt in their minds, especially amateur golfers. This is a wrong move as it lowers your confidence level. The best way to stay away from doubt and fear is to recall shots which you had successfully hit in the past. Think about similar situations in previous games or your best shots, then focus and perform with confidence.

Avoid these mistakes and see the difference in your performance. Keep your targets as small as possible and don’t over think. Simply play and give your best shot!

Taking part in sporting activities can do a lot to your lifestyle. Like other sports, golf also does wonders in shaping one’s mental and physical well-being. It’s a game which involves calculation, physical strength and a sharp presence of mind. However, sometimes golf is mistaken as simply a leisure sport. In this blog post, we will discuss why golf is more than just a relaxing activity. We’ll learn how golf can help you become a more active, strong and lively individual.

Essential Cardio Exercise: Though visually golf may seem like an easy sport it has more to it than what most people see on the surface. A game of golf will provide for a high-intensity workout, and many of calories can be burnt without you even realizing it. Walking through the golf course from hole to hole gives you the necessary amount of cardio that your body requires. Golf also involves perfect body positioning before hitting the ball with the club. Stretching of the essential body muscles is accomplished by this act. Though golfers do not require the stamina of a cricketer, hockey player or a football player, the physical effort necessary to play golf goes beyond it simply being a leisurely activity.

Therapeutic Effect: Golf has a therapeutic effect on the mind. It gives you access to greenery and fresh air which rejuvenates you. The colour green has a soothing effect on your mind and it frees you from negative thoughts. Most golf courses have a small pond which adds to its aesthetic value. Only adventure sports, like paragliding, can be a contender to golf when it comes to its therapeutic effects.

Competitive Edge: Though golf is an individual sport it involves you competing with another person. Golf is played both at the amateur and professional levels. For a player to become a professional he/she has to face a lot of challenges and prove his/her metal. Thus, golf can never be considered just an easy and recreational sport. It involves an immense amount of dedication, hard-work and commitment to excel, just like any other sport.

Bright Prospect: The success of golfers like Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood has created an impact on the value of the game. There is no denying that golf is an expensive sport, but the rewards are also handsome which makes it a very favourable career option. With time, more and more people will choose golf as their recreational sport. No wonder more golf courses are being built across the globe.

Golf is more than simply being a leisurely activity that some people indulge in just to pass time. It adds value to your life because it is such a great activity to partake in.

Golf is a popular sport played with etiquette and works as a great stress buster. People all over the world are amazed about how this game helps increase concentration, stay fit and enhances life expectancy.

Although traditionally termed as a gentleman’s sport, women and children are also developing a liking towards playing this wonderful sport that has established itself as a great activity for wellness.

To understand why it is considered on of the best, check out this list of benefits associated to playing golf:

Improves concentration

Unlike other high-tempo games like rugby, soccer and others, golf requires a lot of patience and concentration. Once you develop the art of ‘swings’, staying in the game for 4-5 hours is not a big deal. After playing few rounds with mates or all by yourself, you’ll forget your stress and feel refreshed.

Increases life expectancy

Golf is a great option if you are looking forward to living a long life. According to the studies published by a renowned medical association, the Karolinska Institute, golfers live 5 years longer than the rest of the population with average mortality rate.

Helps to build a fit body

You need to cover long and wide spreads of green fields in order to play this sport. Generally, golf courses are huge and the game involves lots of walking. Golfers walk an average of 7 to 10 kilometres per game. This activity has positive effects on the body, such as keeping the blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Also, the swings require repetitive muscle exercises.

Builds a social life around it

When playing golf, you meet a niche society and network with influential people. Playing 18 holes on the lush green fields is a beautiful experience and will help you meet a handful of like-minded people. You will have a social space and garner some valuable friendships for relaxation or business.

Promotes healthy competition

No one forces you to play this sport. Random fights or arguments don’t have any room in this sophisticated game. You have to treasure each shot and enjoy on the game with your mates. This is true because of the etiquette involved in playing this sport. Play it with class.

Keeps you entertained

Golf courses are acres of green wide pastures overlooking small ponds. If you’re bored of playing in one course you can travel to another and start a whole new experience. Also, the different courses offer different challenges that will aid you in perfecting your skills.

Can be played at any age

The exclusivity of this sport is that it can be played at any age. In fact, many take up this sport in their late 30s while others begin at an early age. It depends on personal choice and passion towards playing golf.

In a nutshell, the scenic beauty of the golf courses, the sportsmanship involved and the particular etiquette, make this sport stand-out among other sports. For all the reasons mentioned above, you can’t miss playing golf. Don’t you think it’s time for you to be a golfer? Think about it!

Golf remains one of the most prestigious outdoor sports. Winning a tournament isn’t an easy task even for professionals who’ve been playing for a long time. Whatever your level of expertise in the game is, you have to perform well under pressure to make it count. Here are a few mental game tips which will help you keep your nerves under control.

Being prepared

Be prepared prior to every competition. This does not refer to your practice regimen, but preparing yourself with clean clubs, new balls, tees, pitch-mark repairers, clothing, shoes, sunscreen and nutritious snacks. Prepare a mental checklist for your convenience and go through it to ensure everything’s ready for your match. Feeling as if you’re forgetting something can result in unnecessary stress.

Sticking to your routine

Don’t change any of the things you’d normally do before a competition or an individual round. You mustn’t change anything in your routine. Many golfers tend to have extensive warm-up routines and they may get to the course at least a couple of hours before the event in order to make sure everything is in its proper order. Do your warm-up for a long game, short game and putting and eat the same breakfast or meal pre-round. Every warm-up must feel the same. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a club championship or a friendly game.

Visualising success

It isn’t possible for you to expect shooting a good score before the match, but it’s possible for you to visualise success before you play your round. When on your way to the course, picture shooting a grand round on the course you’re heading to play. Though this won’t change your approach towards every shot, our brain has a specific way of manifesting our dreams and goals once we’ve visualised them. This is something which can also be implied into your daily life and not just remain limited to when you’re playing golf.

Suppressing your emotions

Be it in any sport, the better you can hide your emotions on the field, the better you can perform. The same is applicable for golf. Letting your emotions run wild can ruin your performance and your game. It’s very easy to get carried away once you start playing well. This, in turn, can cater to your ego and can result in your amazing form gradually disappearing. Alternatively, being one of the worst players in the tournament and fearing embarrassment are also feelings which can appear out of nowhere. Your partners can also make you feel inferior due to better putting or by longer driving. You must learn to ignore these emotions and give it your all when you’re playing on the field.

Staying positive

This probably sounds really ridiculous and obvious, but even when you think you’re having one of the worst rounds ever, remember you’re just one shot away from getting back in the game. Try and look at every round with positivity and know that each round provides an opportunity for you to excel in your game and take it forward.

Everyone knows that it isn’t technical ability that separates the winners from the losers in golf. It’s the mind of the player which makes all the difference. These simple tips can help improve your golf game and ensure you’re in your best form.

Golf can be intimidating to someone new to the sport. It’s a unique game which holds a number of unique traditions. This is where etiquette comes into play. Most of the guidelines for good golf etiquette are in place to protect the safety of the golfers, maintain the course quality and to better the pace of play. Here are some basic rules of etiquette to help keep the game enjoyable for you and everyone else.

Technology

People these days are addicted to their phones. Phones have turned from a luxury item to a necessity. Hence, asking every golfer to switch them off for the entire length of the game is simply unrealistic. At the very least, put your phone on vibrate or silent, and only check it occasionally to ensure your pace is in sync with everyone else’s.

Friendly Competition

Try not to control your emotions on the course. Don’t break, throw or force clubs into your bag in a fit of rage just because you might’ve made a mistake. It’s natural for people to get excited or upset. However, everything must be done in moderation. Don’t be the guy who celebrates when their opponent swings a flop shot. When playing a relaxed game, it’s okay to let each other have an extra do-over shot per round. However, lay down the rules before the game starts so it’s clear to both parties.

Attire

A golfer’s attire has always mattered, though the rules have somewhat relaxed. The days of wearing heavy tweed jackets, stockings, ties, hats and knickerbockers are gone. Golf clothing has been made much more comfortable and lighter because of the heat. Collared shirts and slacks are pretty standard for golfers today.

Broken tees

You’re bound to break a tee at some point when hitting your drive. When it happens, make sure you pick up the broken tee and put it in a nearby bin or at least move it off the tee area. This ensures it’s not in anyone’s way.

Punctuality

Being late is unacceptable. Always try and get to the course/club early, so you have enough time to warm up and be geared up for your tee time.

Slow play

Slow play doesn’t just affect the players you’re playing with, but can also hold up the entire course. Taking time and ensuring you have a good shot is fine. But you should be quick getting to your ball.

Golf etiquette is an important part of the game. Newcomers tend to pick it up and learn them as they go, playing with experienced golfers. Remember that hitting good shots makes you good at golf, but having good etiquette makes you a good golfer.